6. Choose two skills that you’re going to focus on improving in 2015. Then, decide how you’re going to develop those skills and block out the time on your calendar, right now. (A class… a seminar… a weekly writing group… whatever makes sense for you.)

7. Write down your biggest successes from the past 12 months. Read your list out loud. Practice describing those “big wins” with confidence — as if you’re telling each story to a hiring manager during an interview.

8. Write down your biggest mistakes from the past twelve months — and what you learned from each one. Read that list out loud, too. (Sooner or later, a job interviewer is going to ask, “What’s your greatest weakness?” or “Describe a time when you made a mistake.” Prep your answers in advance!)

9. Find a beautiful new template for your résumé. (Here are 275 free templates you can use!)

10. Read these 43 résumé tips that will get you hired. Revamp your résumé accordingly.

11. Contact an expert résumé writer to help you, if you’re still feeling totally stuck. (Sometimes, a second pair of eyes can make all the difference.)

16. Reorganize your workspace. Remove clutter. Add beauty. Pin your goals or a project manifesto right in front of you, so you see the words, every day. (Need some inspiration? These workspaces are breathtakingly beautiful.)

17. Google yourself and see what comes up. Unflattering photos? Questionable social media content? Snarky blog comments? Put yourself in a recruiter’s shoes and make sure your online footprint makes a good impression.

18. Take your LinkedIn presence to the next level by adding a personal note when you send out invitations to join your network. (Not many people do this, which is a missed opportunity!)

20. Be brave and start spreading the word. Reach out to 5 people you trust and tell them you’re ready to take your career to the next level. Ask them to keep you in mind and give you a “heads up” if new opportunities cross their path. Check in again in January, after the holiday haze has subsided.

These kinds of jobs can only be discovered through word-of-mouth connections, personal introductions and referrals.

So by all means: spruce up your résumé, write down your big wins, de-clutter your workspace and dial up your wardrobe.

But more than anything?

Spend the next 20 days re-connecting with people you admire and strengthening the relationships in your professional network.

You never know what one follow-up email, “thank you” note or holiday card can do for your career.

Good luck. Here’s to an incredible New Year!

As a clinical psychologist and professional life coach, Dr. Suzanne Gelb’s insights have been featured on more than 200 radio shows, 150 TV interviews and in Forbes, Newsweek, The Muse and lots of other places.

Step into her virtual office and discover how to change your life by changing the way you handle your own emotions.

And while you’re visiting, if you’re wanting to find work that you love — when you’re stuck in a job that you hate & discover and create your ideal career, it’s all inside my new Life Guide. Click here: http://drsuzannegelb.com/life-guides/#work.

What is “The Information Age”?

“The Information Age” takes its title from the phrase that defines the times that we live in today. Information is power. But there is also a difference between good information and bad information. This webpage has been created to be a resource for those who are seeking good information that is inspirational and helpful. People are dreaming about doing things that they love. They get temporarily inspired and then the inspiration goes away. I’ve set out to create this site so people can have a centralized location for information and inspiration.